Behind the Screen

Time Out says

3 out of 5 stars

Details

Users say

Time Out says

3 out of 5 stars

A temporary exhibition illuminating the impressive feat of capturing the Games on film and radio.

This new year-long exhibition explores the history of broadcasting the Olympic Games, from the early days of radio broadcasting through to the digital, interactive coverage provided during the London 2012 games.

Though small, the exhibition packs a lot in and mirrors the permanent exhibition in terms of its mix of memorabilia, information and interactivity. The first section charts the history of broadcasting, with various radio broadcasts and physical exhibits from the 1920s onwards. One interesting digital feature here compares the broadcasting of a track event through the ages, showing how technology has gradually increased and improved the amount of detail, information and athlete reaction that’s available to the audience.

Following this snapshot of broadcasting history the exhibition goes on to focus on the vast technological prowess of the 2012 games. One room shows the immense range of cameras available to film everything from the 400m to diving, while a central digital feature demonstrates how all the different camera angles are brought together by the talented folk in the outside broadcasting truck.

It’s not a particularly revelatory exhibition, and you’ll whip round it fairly quickly, but you’ll doubtless leave with a better appreciation of the sheer scale of broadcasting the modern Games and the swiftness of technological change.